N5 completion date pushed out to 2023

THE completion date for the N5 Turlough - Westport road project is being pushed out to 2023.

It was expected that the project would be completed by next October.

However, in an update report, Castlebar Municipal Distict councillors have been told contractors Wills BAM Joint Venture have recently indicated that they are anticipating the completion of the contract to be in Q1/Q2 2023.

The current progress on the €240 million project is as follows:

Site clearance and topsoil strip: Substantially complete

Earthworks: 86% complete

Capping: 65% complete

Topsoil restoration: 50% complete

Drainage: 23% complete

Service ducts: 15% complete

Accommodation works: 8% complete

Major structures:

Two railway overbridge structures: Parapet walls installed.

N84 Ballinrobe overbridge: Finishes to the bridge and pavement works ongoing.

N60 Breaffy overbridge: Finishes to the bridge ongoing.

Islandeady overbridge: Finishes to the bridge ongoing.

Belcarra overbridge: Finishes to the bridge ongoing.

Keelogues overbridge: Deck reinforcement complete. Parapet construction ongoing.

Horsepark overbridge: Parapet pours complete. Construction of kentledge slabs ongoing.

Windsor overbridge: Substantially complete and reopened to the public.

Traffic management:

Traffic management arrangements are in place in various locations in the Castlebar area. These will change as works to the structures and roundabouts are finished and tie-ins to the existing road network is being constructed.

Traffic on the N84 Ballinrobe Road was switched across the new bridge before Christmas with traffic lights continuing to be operated.

Horsepark Road is closed until February 18.

There are traffic lights on Islandeady Road. Preparations are continuing for Phase 2: Routing traffic along new Islandeady Cemetery Road.

A road closure is anticipated for the Keelogues Road (short-term) in 2022.

Complaints:

There were a few complaints from the public within the last month ranging from car damage at works, condition of roads used by the contractor and flooding of lands.

The contractor have been informed of the complaints received by the council and they are dealing with them directly.